De Gea’s future remains under scrutiny given his contract is set to expire next summer – after the activation of a one-year extension clause.

Such talk does not seem to distract the 28-year-old, though, nor does the competition with fellow goalkeepers Sergio Romero and Lee Grant – something that Alvarez believes is down to the goalkeepers’ close bond.

“It is one of the things that, to be honest, I feel really proud and happy about,” Alvarez told MUTV ahead of Sunday’s trip to Tottenham.

Editor's Picks

It's the moment we've all been waiting for – it’s time to reveal the shortlist for The Courier Menu Food and Drink Awards 2019. Now in its second year, the aim of the event is to celebrate the outstanding talent across the region and it was obvious from all the entries that Courier Country has this in abundance.